Bridge over troubled waters: Three missing as structure collapses over Bara River

Rescuers attempt to recover victims; heavy machinery yet to be used

PESHAWAR:

At least three people are suspected to be dead after a bridge over Bara River on PAF Road near Bazid Khel collapsed Thursday afternoon. Three men were crossing the bridge when it suddenly caved in, burying them under the debris.

Villagers rushed to their help, after having called Rescue 1122. Senior irrigation department officials also reached the site but despite all efforts, they were unable to recover the three men.

“Half of the bridge is intact, but it is not made of concrete and cannot withstand the weight of heavy rescue machinery,” Rescue 1122 emergency officer Hassan Dad told The Express Tribune. He said without the heavy machinery, the large blocks of the bridge cannot be moved. “This is a difficult operation.”

Poor management?

Villagers, on the other hand, blamed irrigation department officials, saying they were busy consuming refreshments by the river without paying any attention to the gravity of the situation.



“The bridge collapsed some hours ago and these people did nothing,” said Suleman, a villager. “Rescue divers are trying their best, but the people are still buried under the debris,” he told The Express Tribune. He asked authorities to bring in the heavy machinery as soon as possible.

Amidst all this, Suleman said, locals started efforts to divert the flow of water despite repeated calls from Rescue officers to not do so. The authority said diverting the water could take out the entire bridge which would risk more lives.

Waiting for news

“My cousin Habib Khan is trapped under the debris. He was a tractor driver whose vehicle was with a mechanic so he was crossing the bridge to reach a hotel on the other side,” said Daulat Khan, a resident of Dir Colony. He confirmed two more people are missing along with Habib.

“These irrigation department guys think that it is some sort of picnic. They were busy eating and drinking,” he said.  “Not a single person from the PTI-led government came to the spot to monitor rescue arrangements.”

Escalating grief

Later, enraged villagers blocked Ring Road in protest against the “inaction” of authorities. They demanded the government take action against the irrigation department which was responsible for maintenance of the bridge. Despite numerous attempts, irrigation officials could not be contacted.

Army on the scene

In the latest development before this report was filed, Rescue 1122 officials asked army engineers for their help. Although dangerous, it was revealed diverting the water flow is crucial for rescue efforts to progress.

Later in the day, Deputy Commissioner Riaz Mehsud visited the area and met the families of the victims. He said the operation could take a long time.

Unconvinced by his reply, locals blocked Ring Road yet again and chanted slogans against the government. They said officials were simply giving them a runaround.

The rescue operation for the day ended at 7:30pm and is likely to resume tomorrow morning.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2015.